In a message to everyone, particularly to white people, Los Angeles Clippers owner Steve Ballmer emphasized how to be a good ally to people of color during the Black Lives Matter movement.
The former Microsoft CEO called the current moment a clear “invitation” to white people to get on board.
Steve Ballmer took over as owner of the diverse Los Angeles NBA franchise after ex-owner Donald Sterling was forced to sell the team by the league. Sterling, who purchased the then-San Diego Clippers in 1981, made racially insensitive and racist comments that were leaked at the same time his team was competing in the playoffs in 2014.
The whole debacle led to NBA Commissioner Adam Silver to issue a lifetime ban on Sterling for his comments, which was lauded by players and ex-players who were well aware of Sterling's inappropriate attitudes.
Ballmer has since taken stewardship of the Clippers at a time when social upheaval has brought back to light the struggle for racial justice and equality, something close to the chest of many NBA players — who are now free to speak their minds on police brutality and racism infecting the country.
The 64-year-old team owner himself appears to be on the right track to be an ally of the African American community, who are speaking out against what they have endured in the U.S. today and what their people have faced for centuries.